“Mine honor is my life; both grow in one.” It sounds like a stirring quote from a cinematic epic, but it’s a line from Shakespeare’s Richard II—and it’s boldly etched in gold across the ceiling of the opulent rotunda where Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal pose for their Entertainment Weekly cover shoot for Gladiator II in London this past September. Surrounded by marble columns, Roman busts, and intricate mosaic flooring, the set radiates an Ancient Roman charm, punctuated by the lively tunes Pascal spins from a dressing room speaker, including classics like the Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go” and the Meters’ “Cissy Strut.”

Director’s Vision Reignited
Why did it take so long for this sequel to materialize? Director Ridley Scott lays it bare: “Frankly, we were all busy. So, honestly, no one really thought about it.” Sitting in his Los Angeles office in late September, Scott reflects on the enduring legacy of the original Gladiator, which chronicled the journey of Maximus, a former Roman general seeking vengeance against a corrupt emperor. The film was a box office titan, raking in over $465 million worldwide and snagging five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.

As the years passed, Scott noticed the film had aged gracefully, seemingly taking on a life of its own. “I owed it to the number one to find out about a number two,” he admits. Though multiple scripts were attempted over the years, many writers hesitated to tackle the sequel. That is, until Scott enlisted David Scarpa, his collaborator on Napoleon and All the Money in the World. Initially reluctant, Scarpa found inspiration in Scott’s conversational style—“table tennis with words”—and together, they crafted a new narrative.

Introducing a New Champion
Given Maximus’ fate in the first film, the sequel centers on Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and grandson of the esteemed Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). As a child in the original film, Lucius is now a young man, facing dangers as the rightful heir to the Roman Empire. For his protection, Lucilla makes the heart-wrenching choice to send him away to Numidia. Yet, when Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius (played by Pascal) conquer Numidia, Lucius is taken hostage. Resentful of Rome and his mother, he becomes a gladiator under the cunning Macrinus (Denzel Washington), seeking vengeance against Acacius, only to discover that his path is fraught with unexpected challenges.

The choice of Mescal as Lucius was monumental. The young actor, known for his indie film roles, including Aftersun and Normal People, caught Scott’s eye after the director unexpectedly found himself captivated by a romantic drama he initially dismissed. “He reminded me of a young Harris,” Scott reflects, confidently dismissing any doubters. “In my job, I’ve got constant doubting Thomases driving me f---ing crazy,” he says, but he’s certain Mescal is right for the role.

A Gladiatorial Transformation
Mescal, 28, was eager to step into the arena, undertaking an intense training regimen of strength workouts, fight choreography, horse riding, and swordplay for six months prior to filming. “I felt ready for something on a bigger scale,” he shares from his parents' home in Dublin. “It was definitely a massive step in a totally different direction,” he admits, confronting his own feelings of imposter syndrome.

The culmination of this training is apparent in his performance. “I love how distinct the fights are, and you can feel the accumulation of the violence on his body as the film progresses,” Mescal explains. He assures fans that the battles aren’t mere flashy swordplay but visceral struggles for survival. “It’s about holding onto the punishment,” he adds, hinting at the raw intensity of his character’s journey.

Among the film’s most thrilling sequences, Mescal teases a final showdown—“which we’re not going to talk about,” he winks—while recalling a challenging encounter involving a rhinoceros. Filmed in the sweltering heat of the Colosseum, the battle was exhausting but rewarding. “My Irish blood does not function with Ridley’s shooting schedule,” he laughs, recalling the grueling conditions.

Dynamic Duos and On-Set Antics
Pascal, portraying Acacius, also underwent gladiator training, readying himself for intense action sequences. “Wait until I release the videos,” he says, reflecting on the exhilarating chaos of learning choreography alongside talented stuntmen. He describes the atmosphere as electric, filled with the sounds of warriors preparing for battle.

Working with Scott has been a dream for Pascal, who grew up watching the director’s films. He calls this project “the most exciting and the most physical” of his career. “I’m getting up there—I am up there,” he jokes, acknowledging the physical demands of the role.

Back at the London shoot, the camaraderie between Mescal and Pascal is palpable, filled with playful moments and heartfelt exchanges. “I’ve missed you. It’s so good to see you,” Mescal says, patting Pascal’s arm, their bond evident even in character roles that pit them against one another.

Political Intrigue and Modern Parallels
Gladiator II promises to delve deeper into political machinations, presenting a narrative that resonates with contemporary issues of power and governance. Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla, notes the film’s relevance to current global events. “People are reacting to a return of illegitimate power in many places,” she reflects. “What is the difference between being governed and being controlled?”

The twin emperors, Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), embody the reckless authority that echoes today’s political landscape. “Authority without integrity is a very dangerous recipe,” Quinn observes, hinting at the chaos that ensues in the film as the twins grapple with their conflicting ambitions.

Anticipation for the Sequel
As the film progresses, it remains rooted in the legacy of its predecessor, honoring the indelible mark left by Crowe’s Maximus. While Mescal and Pascal prepare to bring the gladiatorial arena back to life, Washington relishes his role as Macrinus, a master manipulator with grand aspirations. “He wants to be king,” Washington explains, relishing the opportunity to bring a devilish character to the screen.

With its blend of action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, Gladiator II is set to captivate audiences, proving that the saga of Rome is far from over. As the stars prepare for their grand return to the arena, anticipation mounts for a cinematic experience that promises to be as intense and thrilling as its predecessor, if not more so.